[ RadSafe ] Neutron Generator regulations

[Doug Aitken]

Compact, portable neutron generators (as used in downhole oilfield applications) are putting out ~3x 10E+8 of 14 Mev neutrons/sec. Unshielded, the (omnidirectional) dose equivalent would be approximately 10mrem/100uSv per hour at 20 ft

Regards
Doug
___________________________________________________________________________________
Doug Aitken
QHSE Advisor, Schlumberger D&M Operations Support
Cell Phone: 713-562-8585
(alternate e-mail: doug.aitken at slb.com )
Mail:
Schlumberger, Drilling & Measurements HQ,
300 Schlumberger Drive, MD15,
Sugar Land, Texas 77478



-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu [mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of Brennan, Mike (DOH)
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2013 11:12 AM
To: The International Radiation Protection (Health Physics) MailingList
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Neutron Generator regulations

While such a thing would almost certainly get some excited news coverage when discovered, I suspect it would be difficult to do much harm with it.  You could accomplish as much by doing the same thing with an x-ray tube, which would be cheaper and easier.  

As for directing the neutron flux, I haven't been paying attention to that field, but the last time I looked it was more a matter of shielding in all but one direction, with the neutrons going the wrong way being absorbed.

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu
[mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of JPreisig at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 10:13 AM
To: radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Neutron Generator regulations

Radsafe:
 
      Something to consider about neutron  generators.  If a person is well-trained in electronics, and perhaps they  could get their hands on a neutron generator, then they might possibly be able  to build a suitcase version of a neutron generator weapon.  Take the  suitcase to the location of 
interest, plug it in and turn it on from afar.   Kind of like a poor
man's neutron
bomb.  Quite lethal if done  correctly.  It wouldn't explode, but rather would just provide a neutron  flux density (directed???) and would kill people and/or other animals.
I guess security people should be taught to keep an eye out for suitcases and/or other packages which are plugged in to an electrical socket.  When one would see such a suitcase or whatever, then one should move away from the  suitcase.  Safety teams could approach such a device with a remball, Snoopy, Anderson-Braun detector etc. to see if a neutron signal is  present.  
The next step to do would probably be to turn-off local electric  power, and again approach the suitcase with some caution.  I don't know if  any of this scenario is likely.  From what I can remember, Schlumberger keeps track of it neutron generators.
 
 
     Regards,     Joe Preisig
 
 
  
 
 
In a message dated 8/27/2013 4:23:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, brees at lanl.gov writes:

What are  the regulations regarding an electronic neutron generator?  
Something  like a D-D fusion type.  It's possible to make one in a reasonably well  equipped lab, so if someone did, what licensing and use regulations would  apply?
Regulations on an x-ray machine are fairly clear (and they're   MUCH
more
common! - both the machines, and regs!).
I realize that "standard  radiation dose limits" would apply, but most of the regulations I see are  associated with the Tritium content of a D-T generator, is there anything  special someone would have to do if they made a D-D neutron  generator?

And yes, I realize that if it was done in a DOE facility  their rules would apply.

Thanks in advance!
Brian  Rees
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